how to customize the interior of your van

How to Customize the Interior of Your Van.

Painting, insulation, and furniture can turn a standard utility van into a second home. New designs can also bring outdated conversion vans into the twentieth century. Converted vans offer better fuel mileage and easier highway driving than old-fashioned camper-trailers, and with the DIY know-how you can truly make them your own.



Method 1 Painting Inside Your Van.

1. Prepare your van for painting. Before you paint, be sure to remove or cover up anything that you don’t want to get paint on. Remove all fixtures including floor mats, furniture, and any removable shelving. Items that can’t be removed—such as carpeting and door handles—should be taped over or covered in newspaper so that you don’t accidentally paint them too.

Completely clean the surface you are going to paint. Remove all layers of dust, rust or grime that may have accumulated before you paint. Failing to do so will cause visible imperfections in your final paint job.

2. Use anti-rust paint on metal walls. Always paint in a well ventilated area with lots of light. When customizing a standard utility van with metal walls, you will need two layers of paint:

Anti-rust paint. Anti-rust paint is available in spray-on or liquid form. The liquid form comes in two parts that must be mixed and applied with a brush. Ask an employee of your local home improvement store which is best for you.

Spray-on metal paint in the colour of your choice.

3. Cover old vinyl wallpaper if you can't take it down. Older conversion vans from the 1970s often came with vinyl wallpaper interiors that are as difficult to remove as they are ugly to look at. If you don’t feel up to taking it off entirely, you can paint over it.

Begin with an oil based primer. Water-based primers will loosen the paper from the wall, potentially causing it to sag or bubble.

After the primer dries, apply another coat if it doesn’t completely cover the whole surface.

When the primer has dried, paint in the colour of your choice. You may use water based paint for your final coat as long as the primer covers everything underneath it.

4. Repaint your cupboards to add colour. If your van already has a kitchen/storage inside, you can spruce it up by repainting all those surfaces. Before you paint:

Remove all cupboard doors and drawers. You will see the best results if you paint these parts individually. Make sure you label them so you know where to put them back when you’re done.

Remove hinges and handles. This will keep you from getting paint on your hardware accidentally. If you are considering painting the hardware along with the wood—don’t—the paint will quickly chip off.

Sand wood surfaces and wipe off the dust before painting.



Method 2 Insulating Your Van.

1. Start with a layer of radiant insulation. Radiant insulation is reflective—that is, heat bounces off it—so that thermal heat you generate inside stays locked in, while outside the sun’s rays bounce off. This will keep your van warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Cut the insulation to fit your wall and ceiling.

Spray a heavy-duty adhesive to the wall and to the back of your insulation.

Firmly press insulation to the wall/ceiling and hold it until it dries.

2. Cover the windows with rigid foam paneling. Many utility vans have “pop-out” windows which swing out rather than roll down. Covering them is a good way to insulate your vehicle—if you don’t mind the aesthetic.

Cut the foam paneling slightly larger than the space it is meant to fill.

Squeeze the panel into the window frame. It should compress around the edges for a snug fit.

Secure it along the edges with installation tape.

3. Cover the bottom half of your walls in fibreglass insulation. If your van has no windows, you can use this insulation to cover the walls from top to bottom.

Wearing gloves, cut pieces of fibreglass insulation to fit your wall.

Stuff the fibreglass into green garbage bags, and seal them with installation tape. This keeps moisture out of your insulation and prevents mold.

Attach the garbage bags to the walls with installation tape around the perimeter.

4. Spray foam in cracks and crevices. Spray-able foam will fill up corners that other types of insulation can’t fit into, and can be bought in a standard “gap and crack filler” variety. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Do not spray foam in cold weather. Cold prevents the foam from setting properly, and you may find it oozing out of the cracks when it gets warm.

Foam expands when you spray it and can be unpredictable. If you are filling an especially large gap, only fill it 1/3rd of the way at first. Wait until it dries, then spray the next third, and so on. This will prevent it from expanding too much and pushing out on its surroundings.

After its dried, use a utility knife to cut away excess foam.



Method 3 Upholstering Your Interior.

1. Attach studs to the walls of your van before you insulate. If you are converting a utility van with metal walls, you will need to glue studs to those walls so you have something to mount new paneling on.

Cut 2 inches (5.1 cm) x 2 inches (5.1 cm) wood studs the height of your wall.

Glue the studs to wall of your van just inside of where your upholstered paneling will go.

Screw the paneling into the studs, after it has been upholstered. Cover the screws with screwcaps.

2. Make a template of the area you wish to upholster. This template will function as a pattern when it comes time to cut out the plywood that you will attach your upholstery to, so it is important to cut and measure very carefully. To make a template:

Tape a large sheet of paper to the wall or floor.

Cut out the shape of the area you wish to cover.

3. Cut plywood according to the template. Be very careful when using a saw--you may wish to wear goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust. Be sure to double check your measurements, or you may have to repeat this step.

Tape your template to a sheet of plywood.

Using a saw, cut the plywood into the shape of the template.

Be sure to use thin plywood that can bend to the curvature of your walls.

4. Cover the plywood with bunting. A layer of felt bunting acts as a buffer between the hard plywood and soft upholstery. Bunting can be bought at any home improvement or furniture repair store.

Roll out the bunting overtop the plywood.

Cut the bunting so that it is exactly the size and shape of the wood it is going to cover.

Glue the bunting and wood together with upholstery adhesive.

5. Cut out upholstery. Use the plywood as a pattern, and cut your upholstery just larger than each piece of wood.

Leaving at least 3 inches of fabric around the sides will allow you to stretch the upholstery and glue it to the back of the plywood.

6. Glue the upholstery to the plywood. Lay the upholstery down, with the paneling on top of it. The “front” of the upholstery should be facing down. The blank side of the plywood should be facing up. Spray the exposed edges of the fabric, and the perimeter of the plywood with upholstery glue.

Pull the fabric taught, and fold it over the edge of the plywood. Press down with a drywall knife to ensure the glue dries flat.



Method 4 Furnishing Your Van.

1. Put pneumatic struts under your bed. If you want to be able to sleep while the van is in motion, mount your bed on 100 pounds (45 kg) pneumatic struts. These mechanisms absorb the bumps and vibrations of driving, so that it feels like you’re sleeping on water and not on the road.

These struts can be found most easily online, but it is safer to order them from a home improvement store, the better to know what you’re getting.

2. Alter a standard futon if you can’t afford a custom built one. Most mattresses are too big to fit in a van. If you can’t afford a custom built one, you can alter a standard futon mattress to fit:

Open the cover of your futon mattress and pull back the cushioning until you reach the springs.

Using heavy duty wire clippers, clip the springs to the desired length.

Replace the cushioning and sew the cover closed.

3. Reupholster your seats. If the seats in your van are looking a bit worn, you can recover them to suit the van’s new look. This is a tough job, best left to a professional.

4. Choose furniture that provides storage. A van can get cramped, especially one that doubles as a second home. Fortunately, you can buy and build furniture with built in storage potential. Some examples include:

Building a garbage can that doubles as a stool.

Installing drawers under your bed.



Tips.

Different paints have different brush, storage, and dry-time needs. Check with an employee of your local home improvement store to make sure you're buying the right kind.

It is a good idea to wear gloves while doing any hands on work. These gloves may protect you from splinters, and keep your hands free of paint that can be difficult to wash off.

Warning.

Heavy duty adhesives and oil based paints can be toxic. It is important to use these materials in well ventilated areas. Cover your face if possible.

Februari 24, 2020

How to Use Mirrors to Create More Space.

How to Use Mirrors to Create More Space.

Using mirrors to create the feeling of more space is a common trick of interior designing. If you have small rooms in your home, strategically placed mirrors can help. You can use movable mirrors by placing them near windows or furniture. You can also install mirrors inside cabinets or behind counters.


Method 1 Using Movable Mirrors.

1. Place a mirror along the wall in a narrow kitchen. If you have a narrow kitchen, it can easily feel cramped and uncomfortable. A longer mirror strategically placed along one wall can make a small kitchen feel bigger. Place a mirror running horizontally along one wall of your kitchen, keeping it above cabinets and other furniture so it's visible.

You can buy a long mirror at a department store. Hang it alongside one wall in your kitchen. You will be surprised at how much bigger it looks.

A single mirror in the kitchen is usually suitable to make your space look bigger. More than one mirror may overwhelm in the kitchen.

2. Fake a window using a mirror. Windows can often make a small room feel larger. If you have a room with only one window, you can use a mirror to create the illusion of a window in your living space.

Place a mirror directly across from one window in your home.

The mirror will reflect images of outdoors, doubling the natural light in the room. It will also make the window-less wall look less closed off.

3. Add a mirror above your bed. If you have a small bedroom that's bothering you, try hanging a large mirror over your bed. Place a bigger mirror just above your headboard. If you don't have a headboard, you can simply keep the mirror a few feet up from the end of your mattress.

A mirror over your bed creates a sense of depth. This can make a small bedroom feel bigger.

Keep the mirror on the wall of your bedroom and not the ceiling.

4. Use floor length mirrors behind furniture. In a small space, furniture may feel cramped or cluttered. This issue can easily be corrected by placing large mirrors just behind big pieces of furniture.

Choose floor-length mirrors the same width as your furniture. Place the mirrors just behind the furniture so the top sticks out.

5. Place a mirror near or in an art display. Densely packed collections of paintings and objects can look cramped. Try inserting small mirrors in areas where you display artwork.

If you display artwork on a shelf, use one of the drawers in the shelf to display a mirror. You can also place a standing mirror behind a piece of artwork on a mantel.

If you have paintings or other artwork hung up on a wall, hang a mirror next to the paintings as well.


Method 2 Installing Mirrors.

1. Install mirror doors on your closet. A small closet can make you feel claustrophobic. Have mirror doors installed on your closet, as this can create the illusion of extra space.

Closet doors can also create extra room in your home because you do not need to take up space with floor mirrors.

If you don't have the time or money for a full installation, you can purchase a hanging mirror at a department store and hang it over the door.

2. Use a mirror backsplash. A kitchen backsplash can be made into a mirror to make a small kitchen look larger. If you're renovating, consider a reflective back splash to make the most of your space.

In addition to creating the illusion of more space, mirror back splashes are fairly easy to clean.

3. Add mirrors to cabinet drawers. If you have a tiny kitchen or bathroom, have mirrors installed on the doors of cabinets. This can be done by simply gluing mirrored tiles or small mirrors to the front of your cabinets. This will make your kitchen feel slightly more open.

4. Make use of mirrored tiles. Mirror tiles can be purchased at most home improvement stores. You can create a mirror wall in one room by glueing or nailing mirror tiles to the wall. You can also use them in spaces that feel cramped. For example, in a small bathroom try putting up mirrored tiles adjacent to the shower.


Method 3 Maximizing Impact without Overdoing It.

1. Be strategic about where you place mirrors. Do not simply hang up your mirrors everywhere in your home. Always take into account what the mirror is reflecting before hanging it up. You want to use mirrors to maximize light sources and emphasize space.

Mirrors should reflect a light source in order to brighten a room by creating more light. A mirror facing a blank wall will not do much to brighten your space. Instead, place a mirror across from a window or a well-lit area in your home.

You should also avoid placing mirrors in areas where they will reflect things like furniture and clutter. You do not want a mirror to make a room look more cluttered. Instead of having a mirror facing a somewhat messy desk, have it reflect a sleek mantel that only holds a few decorative items.

2. Do not go overboard with mirrors in the kitchen. One strategically placed mirror in the kitchen is enough to make the room more open. Too many mirrors can be overwhelming and even look tacky. Mirrors are not usually necessary in the kitchen, so more than one mirror may look odd to visitors.

For example, if you opt for a horizontal mirror running down one wall, do not put a mirror on the opposite wall. The effect will be overwhelming.

3. Avoid ceiling mirrors. Ceiling mirrors are no longer in fashion. They were popular in the '70's, but many decorators find them tacky. Also, mirrors on the ceiling will not do much to create the illusion of space. Stick to hanging mirrors on the wall.

Mirrors can be great in your bedroom if you want to create more space there, as well as more light. A full-length mirror near your closet can work great if it, say, reflects a window or a lamp.


Question : How can I place a mirror to reflect light from a skylight?

Answer : Place it on the wall the sun hits the most.


Tips.

Use a mirror as a coffee table surface. This will reflect light upwards and will reflect elements of the room towards the eye when looking downwards.

Februari 23, 2020

how to organize a small apartment

How to Organize a Small Apartment.

Whether someone is seeking a more minimalist lifestyle or a small space is all that's in their price range, it's very common for people to live in small apartments. You might be wondering how you could possible fit all your belongings into such a small space. Luckily, with some smart creative organizing, you can maximize the space available in your living area, closets, bedroom, and kitchen.



Part 1 Avoiding Clutter in Your Living Area.

1. Attach hooks to the wall in your entryway. Jackets, purses, and bags can take up a lot of space if they’re thrown around. By installing hooks just inside the front door, you’ll have a designated spot for these items. That way you and your guests can leave your jackets and bags here, freeing up space in the rest of the room.

You could also use a standing coat rack for the same purpose. That way, you won’t have to worry about drilling holes in your wall.

There are also sticky hooks you could use that attach to the wall without the need for screws or nails.

2. Hang shoe organizers inside your closets to free up space. You might not realize that the inside of your closet doors have tons of space for storage. Hanging shoe organizers give you storage pockets for all your footwear that might otherwise clutter your floor or closet space.

Mount these organizers inside all your closets to get even more storage space.

Remember, shoe organizers don’t have to only hold shoes. They’re great for storing all kinds of things that might be cluttering your home!

3. Place space-saving corner shelves throughout your apartment. Maximize your storage room by using all of the corner space available in your apartment. Installing these shelves will give you more room for storage, or for displaying decorations to give your apartment some character.

You can either use shelves mounted to the wall, or get a few corner shelf stands.

4. Use floor-to-ceiling bookcases to take advantage of vertical storage. In a small apartment, all your storage must be done vertically. Tall bookcases are a great investment because they take advantage of this and let you store items from your floor all the way up to your ceiling.

Remember, bookcases aren’t just for books. They can store electronics, video games, file folders, or just about anything else that might otherwise end up in a drawer.

5. Find a pop-up coffee table to maximize your space. This type of coffee table opens up to reveal storage space inside. Some types also extend, allowing multiple people to use a seemingly small table.

You can also find a coffee table with drawers. This will still conceal storage space in a functional piece of furniture.

6. Get rid of things you don’t need to prevent clutter. One of the keys to living in a small apartment is minimizing the amount of things you have to store. You might organize your apartment perfectly but still not have enough room. In this case, it’s time to take a look at what you own and decide what you can live without.

Remember to donate things that are still in good condition. Homeless shelters, veterans’ organizations, and other charities would love to have your old clothes and other items.



Part 2 Making Space in Your Bedroom.

1. Get a bed with storage space. Some beds come with built-in storage space. This is a huge space saver in a small bedroom. If your bed has enough storage, you could avoid the need for a dresser or cabinet and increase your available floor space.

Some bed designs have built-in drawers. You could use these as a replacement for a dresser.

You could also invest in an Ottoman bed. With this design, the mattress lifts up to reveal storage space underneath. This space is perfect for clothes and linens.

If a bed with storage is out of your price range, you could also get a raised bed and use the space underneath to slide boxes.

2. Consider a Murphy bed if you live in a studio apartment. Your bed could take up a lot of space in a studio apartment. Murphy beds are designed to fold up into a compartment that looks like an ordinary cabinet. This frees up the space the bed was using saves a lot of room in a studio apartment.

Remember that Murphy beds can be expensive. Even cheaper models can be around $1,000. Consider your budget before making this investment.

3. Mount shelves above your bed for additional storage and décor. There is plenty of space above your bed for one or more shelves, avoiding the need for night tables that take up room.

Remember to test the height of any shelves you install above your bed. You should be able to sit up comfortably in bed without hitting your head, so make a mark on the wall where your head reaches up to.

Make sure any shelves above your bed are installed properly and the items you place on them are secure. You don’t want anything falling on your while you sleep!

4. Add a door hanger to your closet to free up closet space. You can maximize your closet space by installing a hanger rack on the inside of your closet door. This instantly doubles your space by allowing you to hang clothes on the normal closet rack and the door rack.

There are several models of door hangers available. The simplest just hook over the top of the closet door, making installation and removal easy.

5. Hang a full-length mirror on your door. A flat mirror can easily hook to the top of your bedroom door. This takes up very little space, and will make getting dressed a lot easier.

The added bonus here is that mirrors help rooms look bigger. If you're feeling cramped in your tiny bedroom, this addition could do the trick.

Hanging mirrors throughout your apartment could also make the rest of the space look bigger.

6. Get a laundry hamper and keep your dirty laundry in it. In a small bedroom, dirty laundry will accumulate fast. Designate a space for your dirty clothes with a hamper in your bedroom. This will prevent you from leaving clothes on your floor.

Also remember to do your laundry often! Your hamper will fill up quickly and you don't want the clutter to overflow.

Put your clean laundry away quickly too. Don't let a laundry basket take up your space.



Part 3 Maximizing Space in Your Kitchen.

1. Install wall hangers for your pots and pans. These take up a lot of space and you'll probably need your drawers and cabinets for storing utensils and cooking supplies. Take advantage of your kitchen's wall space by storing pots and pans vertically instead.

You could use screws to hang these hooks, or if you’d rather not drill holes in your wall, there are hooks that use sticky backs to attach to the wall.

The added bonus here is that your pots and pans will be easily-accessible, and you won't have to dig for them in a cabinet.

2. Mount spice racks to the wall to save space. You’ll probably run out of drawer space quickly in a small kitchen. Spice racks on the wall will give you room to store all your ingredients and keep your drawers free for utensils.

You probably have room for several spice racks, so feel free to install more than one for even more storage.

You can also use spice racks to store other things like napkins, cups, or salt shakers.

3. Use stackable shelves in your cabinets to stay organized. Cabinet space is precious in a small kitchen, so you have to make the most of what you have. By installing shelves in your cabinet, you can add two or even three rows of storage space that you didn't have before.

When stacking items, remember to organize them by weight. Heavy items like a crock pot should be on the bottom, and lighter items should be on the top.

4. Attach a folding table to your wall. If your kitchen or living area is too small for a table, there are models that hook to your wall and fold up. Like a Murphy bed, these tables free up space when not in use.

Some folding table models also include even more storage space inside the cabinet that houses the table. You can use this to store away any glassware or silverware that you might not know what to do with.

To further save space, consider pairing stackable chairs or stools with this table. Like the table, these can store away when not in use.

5. Store items above your refrigerator. There is more room up there than you think! The unused space above your refrigerator can add some more storage or decoration to your kitchen. For example, you could install shelves there and store cups, dishes, or even cookbooks.

A wine rack could also be a nice addition above your fridge.

6. Utilize the space above your cabinets for storage. Rather than collecting dust, this area can maximize the storage in your kitchen.

Extra pots and pans could fit nicely in this space. This would be convenient while you cook.

If there is enough space, you might even be able to install more shelves up here. This can store more silverware, or you can use it as an overflow area for some of the things in the rest of your apartment.

It's tempting to view these spaces as a junk area where you just throw things you don't need. Avoid that temptation! Keep these areas was well-organized as all your other spaces.

Februari 23, 2020

how to downsize your home

How to Downsize Your Home.

Moving to a smaller place? Over time, we tend to accumulate stuff - lots of stuff. We have drawers full of stuff, gifts that we have never used (and never will), furniture we don’t really need but keep “just in case” and items that we’ve had for years may be difficult to part with due to nothing more than familiarity while serving no functional purpose.

Now is the time to get rid of excess baggage (literally!) and pare down to the essentials.



Steps.

1. Assess your actual needs. Someday, you may take up exercising, but the treadmill/Stairmaster/Bowflex has been gathering dust for some time. Wouldn’t a good pair of walking/running shoes be more useful and take up significantly less space? Does anyone actually sit in the chair in the corner? How often do you eat at the table? When was the last time you used your stereo? Deciding what you really need requires a good long look at how you live your life daily and prioritizing the activities and items that are already a part of your actual lifestyle--not those activities or items that you want to be part of your lifestyle, but haven't gotten around to yet.

Take a walk through your house or apartment and evaluate everything you come across (furniture, books, food, etc.). Ask yourself if you've used it in the past year and, if so, how often? Be honest with yourself. If you think you could live well without it, out the door it should go. Make a note of it.

Consider that most of the stuff people keep without using is a tribute to an unmet goal. The most common example is probably exercise machines that we always say we'll use, but don't. Then there are those books we intend to read, that table we eventually want to have dinners and brunches on, etc. We keep things around "just in case", or hoping that their presence will eventually encourage us to use them. But let's be realistic, if seeing that treadmill get a coating of dust hasn't inspired you yet, what makes you think it ever will? Make room for the things you'll actually use.

For stuff that you really have a hard time getting rid of, make this agreement with yourself: Put the items in storage. If you don't need or use them within 6 months, give, sell or throw them away.

2. Go through your home, every cabinet, shelf and closet should be cleared. Only put back the things you couldn't live well without. That means that if you use a whisk every other day it stays but the melon-baller when you don't even like melon... Out it goes. Put these items in boxes, crates or bags in a garage or other storage area

3. Measure your furniture. You will need to know how your furniture will (or won’t) fit into your new space - particularly large items such as your sofa and your bed - so measure everything.

You will also need to get the room measurements of your new space. Ask if you can take measurements or if there is a floor plan available to you. Don’t forget about the location of doors and windows as this will be a factor in furniture placement. Once you have these measurements, make a floor plan using your furniture’s measurements. Try using Better Homes and Gardens’ Arrange-A-Room online software to simplify the process (requires registration but is free). This will give you a much better idea on what you can keep and what will have to go.

4. Assess your new storage areas. How many times have you moved into a new place only to realize - too late - that you have overestimated the amount of storage space? While you’re getting room measurements, make sure to properly assess the storage situation you’ll be inheriting. Will you have fewer kitchen cupboards? How many closets will you have? If you are moving into an apartment, does it have a storage locker and, if so, what are its dimensions? Assessing exactly how much of the new space is dedicated to storage will give you and idea of the volume of items you need to dispose of before moving in. Don’t forget hidden storage areas you currently use in your old place. If you place a lot of items above the kitchen cabinets in your current home, for example, find out if the cupboards in the new place have storage in that area as well.

5. Ransack your old storage areas. Go through your storage areas first (attics, basements, closets, etc). You will be surprised to find out what you’ve put away instead of gotten rid of. If you’re like most of us, you will find boxes of items that haven’t seen the light of day for years and there’s a reason for this: you don’t need them. Get rid of them at once. Hesitation will only melt your resolve.

Don’t forget to go through your bathroom cabinets, kitchen and “junk” drawers. We have a tendency to accumulate unnecessary items in these places. Get rid of empty bottles, balls of twine, expired medicines and beauty products, and your collection of plastic margarine containers. Be brutal.

How you dispose of these unnecessary items will depend on how much energy and/or time you have. The easiest thing to do is to load them up on a truck and drop them off at the nearest thrift shop.

Join a Freecycle group to give stuff away (www.freecycle.org)

If you live in an apartment building or townhouse complex, notice boards and drop off areas for giving unwanted items to neighbours is sometimes provided.

Call up your friends and relatives and see what they need. You may be able to enlist their help in the move for a promised dresser/bed/armchair!

6. Sell your stuff. If you’re in need of a pre-move windfall, try these.

For a large number of items, have a yard sale (or a series of yard sales), or if you have a lot to sell quickly, consider a service to take care of it for you (e.g., Google liquidation estate content sales).

If you have time before the move, utilize sites such as Craigslist and eBay to sell off the best stuff. You’ll likely get more money for your items this way but it is more time consuming.

Craigslist is a good avenue for selling larger items such as furniture, appliances and home décor items to people living in your area. If you have the means, offering delivery will often produce quicker sales.

eBay is a good venue for selling collectible items such as old albums, comic books, and figurines. Make sure to take good quality photos of the items and offer good descriptions. Remember that you are a salesperson. Sell those products!

Used designer clothing can be resold in consignment shops. These stores can be found in your local business directory. Be sure to shop around. Some stores offer better rates than others.

7. Get organized. Before you move into your new place, it’s a good time to work out some storage solutions for your stored items. You can do this as you pack. Place your storage items in decorative storage boxes that can be moved and placed in the new storage areas without much effort. Plastic bins are great for moving and storing, come in many sizes, are stackable, and the see-through ones make finding what you need a snap. The measurements taken of the new storage areas will ensure a good fit. Come moving day, these boxes will be much easier to deal with.

Label everything by room. Don’t think that you will remember big television box is actually full of pots and pans. You won’t.

8. Move large items first. Move your furniture into your new home first. You will have the most energy for this task at the beginning of the move and it will also give you a better indication of where the smaller things will go. Do not merely fill a room with furniture with the idea of sorting it all out later. There is nothing worse than trying to navigate through small rooms littered with boxes and stacks of furniture after a day of moving.Place furniture in the rooms as you go, according to the plan you made earlier. If you have done your homework correctly, your big items should fit in nicely and already give you a sense of home (and a place to sit while taking a break from all of your hard work!)

9. Put away storage items. Contained items that are meant for storage can be placed directly in their allotted spaces where they will be out of the way. By putting these things away as you move in, you’ll be saving yourself the stress of trying to maneuver through tiny, packed rooms during the next few days.

10. Organize boxed items. Your labeled boxes can now be put into their respective rooms and the unpacking can begin. Begin with the bathroom, as that is the room most likely to be needed immediately. If you have only kept the basics, unpacking this room will be a breeze.

11. Organize your space as you unpack. Utilize closet and cupboard storage solutions as you unpack. This way, more can be stored in these tight spaces and you will be setting a precedent for how your new, smaller space will be used. Don’t fall back into lazy habits or your downsized place will get you down.

12. Relax and enjoy! You have now entered the realm of living small. You no longer have to worry about the financial burden or time draining tasks of maintaining a home too big for your needs and you have simplified your life by surrounding yourself with only those things that are most important to you. Rejoice!



Question : I need to hire a helper to do my bending and lifting as I sort through my stuff. I have young friends. How much an hour should I pay?

Answer : $10 to 15.00 per hour is good if you don't plan on feeding them. That said, depending on how good of friends they are, you can give them a flat $20, $40 or $60 dollars for the day, depending on how long you have them work.

Question : My mother is moving to assisted living. I'm thinking of hiring a professional downsizer. How much should I expect to spend for someone to manage all of the above?

Answer : Hiring a professional to oversee a move may cost $2,000-$5,000 depending on the size of her home and the size of her assisted living space. If she is a hoarder, triple or quadruple the estimate.

Question : How do I get rid of knick knacks that have been in my family for years without breaking my heart?

Answer : Donate them to charities and tell yourself that they can give joy to others. You are blessing other people by giving up what you no longer need.

Question : With my husbands health I am doing everything and still working full time. I could use someone to come in and help clean good, than keep up with it until I retire. Is there such a person?

Answer : Yes, you could hire a maid or a part-time student to help. You could also ask your neighbors, in-laws, friends or someone else you trust to help you out. There are lots of resources.

Question : I'm trying to start downsizing. How do I start?

Answer : Choose a room and start sorting, determining which items to keep and which to discard.



Tips.

If you find yourself in economic straits, downsize as quickly as possible. The longer you try to hang on to a lifestyle you can no longer support, the deeper the pit you’ll be digging. Take your cue from business strategy - restructure.

Once you're in your new small space, enact a rule to keep your stuff from accumulating: Every time something comes in, something has to go. The item(s) you get rid of should be about the same size as the one you brought in.

Use your computer to replace other electronics taking up space, for example, Do you really need a DVD player, CD player, and a DVR, When you have a computer with a DVD-RW drive. (Plays and records DVDs/CDs.)

Make use of "negative space", especially with small and sentimental things. For example, fill Grandma's old vase with the sea-shells you collected together (rather than in a box somewhere). Store Dad's casino-chip collection in his favorite beer-stein. Fill an heirloom milk-can with Ziploc bags full of pictures that you haven't decided what to do with. De-cluttering is important, but so is being efficient with the stuff that you DO keep!

Avoid adding storage space. The more storage space, the more you are likely to clutter. In fact, attempt to minimize storage space.

Warnings.

Do not flush or throw into the trash any expired/unwanted medicines. They will contaminate the water supply. Any drugstore will dispose of these items responsibly, free of charge. You can also see if your city has a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Don't throw away anything valuable, If something might be worth a good amount of money, sell it.

Februari 23, 2020

how to start living in a tiny house

How to Start Living in a Tiny House.

Living in a house smaller than some people's walk-in closets may not be for everyone, but those who are able to do so reap many benefits for themselves and for the world around them. Here are some steps that may help you with choosing the best type of small house for you and how to simplify your life so living in a small house is enjoyable and not confining.



Steps.

1. Do your research. There are many types of tiny homes, from as small as 9 square feet up to 837 square feet. Look at the designs, which range from traditional to ultra-modern in design. Some incorporate off-the-grid designs like solar/wind power, rainwater collection, and composting toilets.

2. Decide what you need from your dwelling and what you want from your dwelling. Most people need a comfortable, dry, quiet place to sleep; a clean place to perform personal hygiene (toilet, shower); a comfortable place to sit or lie down during the day; a place to store, prepare, and eat food for the day. You may want other creature comforts such as long-term refrigerated food storage, a clothes washer and dryer etc. But think of combining these appliances in one machine. Do you really need a dryer or could you dry your clothes outside ?

3. Look at the benefits of "living small:" less space to clean; less pack-ratting of unneeded clothes, broken appliances, etc.; lower energy bills and a greener environmental footprint; fresher food that is purchased, caught, or harvested on a more daily basis; more time available for outdoor activities and entertaining; no need to sell your home when you relocate (if your tiny home is towable).

4. Realize that small houses cost more per square feet than large houses. Designing for smaller areas is more complex, as items such as built-in furniture have to be custom made to take advantage of all the space. Compact appliances sometimes cost much more than full sized appliances. If you are designing or building your own home on a trailer bed, you need to take plumbing (grey water and black water storage and disposal) into consideration.

5. Decide if you will build your own home from plans, or if you will buy an already made home new, or if you will buy a used home. There are also "kits" available which come with all or most of the supplies for building the house, along with instructions. The cheapest option for small living is to buy a well-maintained used RV or travel trailer. Craigslist usually will have several listings under $5000. You get the advantage of having something already designed and constructed, but you have the disadvantage of not being able to fully customize your home to your needs and wants.

6. Pare down your belongings: we spend about 80% of our time wearing 20% of the clothes we own, so by getting rid of most of that wasted 80%, your life becomes immediately simpler.less laundry and less indecision about what to wear that day. Instead of having 3 TVs, 2 computers, a VCR, DVD, Blu-Ray, and 3 different game stations, reduce to one computer--transfer your movies to a hard drive and a flat screen monitor can double as a TV. A laptop with a TV tuner is even more energy efficient.

7. Be creative about storage and multi-function furniture: a bed platform could have clothing storage drawers underneath. If you make a built-in sofa (without a bed) you can use the space underneath to store lots of things. A table can be made with shelves for storage underneath the table surface. Or you could design a table that folds out of the wall, then folds up and down to become a bed. Use broad, deep shelves (including built-in) and drawers, and wall and ceiling mounted items, to minimize the proportion of wasted space above, below, and around the edges of items (due to packing geometry or falling-off-the-edge risk). Consider metal furniture to reduce the amount of space consumed by the furniture itself.



Question : Is it true that in most states people not allowed to live in homes on wheels?

Answer : In North Carolina, as in most states, I think, the prohibition against tiny homes on wheels is county by county rather than state law. We know of at least two counties in Western North Carolina that are tiny-home-friendly, and two others that are not. It takes a lot of research to find a welcoming tiny home community in any state.

Question : Is a tiny house practical for a musician who plays a piano and flute and owns a lot of books and music?

Answer : Your walls will be your best friend for storing your books and for the acoustics of your flute. Although it may be difficult to fit a piano in a tiny house, they make small electric pianos that have very good sound.

Question : How do I locate a tiny homes in my area?

Answer : Your local realtors should have listings. The movement has gained so much momentum, so it shouldn't be hard to find one. Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Washington state and Oregon have the most tiny homes for sale. Many states sell kits to build them yourself or sell the blueprint/plans for you to base your home off of.

Question : How does it work if I want to get internet in a tiny house?

Answer : It works the same as getting it anywhere else, as long as your house is electrically sound and accessible.



Tips.

To "test drive" tiny house living, you can rent an RV for a limited period of time (like six months) and get a feel for what you need - and don't need - in terms of space.

Build/design for your needs and prioritize your wants and add them one-by-one to the house until it is the perfect balance of desires and space.

Don't try to cram too much stuff into your small home--it will make it appear very cluttered. This goes double for furniture: a full size sofa, a king size bed, a 6-person dinette and a large Club chair or reclining lounger won't leave a lot of space for you to walk around. An armless sofa, double-size or queen-size bed in a loft, and a folding table with 2 folding chairs that would allow you to seat 4 for dinner (using the sofa as seating) is more reasonable.

Warnings.

Not everyone will share your enthusiasm for living small. They will think you to be a little crazy to live full-time in something that they would consider living in only for one or two weeks per year at the most. If you are dating or married, be sure you and your partner are in full agreement on the subject of small living. If you are planning to have kids, be sure you know what will happen to your house at that time: will you build another small house and connect them together, or will you build a brand new house?

Be careful about air quality in a tiny house. Particularly if the house is constructed very 'tight' against air infiltration for energy savings reasons, and also particularly if more than one person is living there, or with pets. In a larger home, the larger volume of air inside the home is protection against a build-up of CO2 in the air that the occupants are breathing. With a smaller volume of air, and if the home is very tightly constructed, mechanical ventilation may be needed to replenish fresh air and avoid headaches or other symptoms of poor air quality. Of course, during good weather you can just open a window. During the colder months, air-quality can suffer.

There is a substantial investment involved in building or buying a tiny home. Be sure you are physically and mentally prepared.

Check local zoning codes for restrictions on minimum room size and RV/manufactured housing on residential lots. Many codes restrict houses to at least one room of 120 square feet and other rooms of a minimum 70 square feet. Some require the house to be built on a minimum percentage of the lot. You may be able to get exceptions granted to you, but be aware that many communities see small houses as something that depresses property values. Other communities see well-built smaller houses as something good for their infrastructure--less strain on the electric, sewer, and fresh water systems--and welcome them.

Used RVs and manufactured housing are prone to water leaks, so check for any if you choose to buy something pre-owned. If you design or build your own house, be sure to pay attention for potentially damaging water leaks.

Februari 22, 2020

how to build an underground house

How to Build an Underground House.

Have you ever wanted to have a house completely hidden from the view of other people? Do you like caves or the deep smell of moist earth? Do you fear the imminent apocalypse? Well, you might want to build an underground house. It will take some time and effort, but if you’re wiling to commit to the project you could have your own underground shelter sooner rather than later.



Method 1 Preparing to Build Your Underground House.

1. Check your zoning laws. You can call your state to check the zoning laws of your property to see if you are allowed to put a new building on your property. You don’t want the state to ruin the fun by fining you for your newly created underground house. Even if you’re underground you're not safe from the law.

2. Get permission from the state to dig. More official business. You need to pre-mark the area on your property that you want to excavate with stakes and white paint. Then you call your state’s Dig Safe branch and describe the area that you plan to dig in. Hopefully they will grant you permission. You definitely have to do this to ensure that you’re not going to dig into a sewage system or something like that.

3. Hire a professional excavator or buy professional equipment. Hiring a professional to do it for you wouldn’t be the worst idea. Depending on the size of your house you probably are going to need to use heavy machinery, and if you have no experience with that hiring a professional is probably the way to go. Search for professional excavators on the internet or contact a local construction company. They should be able to quote you a cost and at the very least offer you some helpful tips. You may be able to negotiate a price to use their equipment if you can prove that you are trained to use it.

4. Find someone willing to help you. This isn’t a solo job even if you really want it to be. When you’re excavating or dealing with heavy materials you need someone to make sure that you are safe. You are going to be dealing with a lot of heavy materials and working in the earth and something could happen at any time. Make sure you have a partner.

5. Find a suitable location. Look for a spot that is outside of your area’s 100-year flood plain and isn't near any steep slopes that might trigger a landslide. A large open space is probably best suited for an underground house, because tree roots can also cause issues during excavation. The odds are that you will be trying to build this house on your own property, so you probably don't have to worry too much but just be aware.

Generally you want to stay away from any large objects like trees, boulders, or multi-story buildings.

You also shouldn't place your house near any concentrations of fuel or any hazardous materials.



Method 2 Designing Your Underground House.

1. Develop detailed structural plans. Work with an architect to design a scaled design and floor plan for your underground house. This plan should be complete with dimensions, details on the potential materials that will be used,

2. Design your house. As you design your house you should consider air and water filtration systems, potential light sources, and food storage space. [3] Draw a model of your house to scale using the structural plans that you already created. Now draw in where all the installed appliances will go first, then the furniture, then anything else you would like to include in your plan. Be aware of the following constraints as well.

If you are going to be underground for very long periods of time you will need to have your water set up to some sort of renewing water source and you will also need a ton of space to keep the food you have fresh. This means many refrigerators and a reliable power generator.

A reliable air circulation and filtration system is also crucial to avoid getting carbon dioxide poisoning or other airborne illnesses.

3. Include an entrance and exit in your design. This can be as simple as a ladder with a hatch on the top or even a tunnel leading up and to the outside. The easiest option is buying a staircase. You can buy a staircase online and have it delivered to your house, so it doesn’t even need to be part of the construction if you don’t want.

If you decide to use a ladder you may need to secure the ladder to the wall with metal supports. Buy U-shaped metal supports at a home improvement store and secure these into your wall over the steps of your ladder. This will keep it stable while you are climbing up and down. You can also buy airtight hatches to secure the top of your entrance. Once again it is important to make sure that your hatch is significantly wider and longer than the hole you wish to cover.



Method 3 Planning the Excavation.

1. Develop a strategy to dig your hole. Remember to dig based on the excavation area that you received permission to dig in. If you dig outside of that you risk digging into something like a sewer line or a fiber optic cable. Also know what kind of soil you'll be excavating. If you're digging into bedrock you won't get very far.

You also should check your soil records at the town office before you start digging to see what you are going to be digging into and what kind of equipment you will need. Ask the clerk at the town office about your property and they will have the records available for you to see most of the time. If they don't, you might have to have someone come and survey your land.

2. Investigate the conditions of your soil. It’s incredibly important to know what kind of soil you are working with, and this will also inform your digging strategy. Have a professional come and survey your soil.

3. Consider a cut and cover strategy. Cut and cover works if you are digging in relatively soft soil. The idea is that you dig out an area, build a concrete structure inside of it, and then cover the hole thing up with dirt again. Obviously you want to keep your hatch or staircase exposed so that you can enter into your structure. However, if your soil will allow for it this is a good way to build a large framework for your home.

4. Save the excess soil. This is especially important if you plan to create a berm house. A berm house is a house that is covered by soil but still has windows and doorways to the outside. Your house will sit in a deep foundation and once you have completed the construction of the building you can push the dirt up the sides and on top of the house to create the berm look. This will require a reinforced roof.



Method 4 Constructing Your Underground House.

1. Build a perimeter wood frame. You will pour concrete into this frame in order to create a footing. The footings will form the basis for your foundation. The boards should be built according to the specifications of your foundation in your designed plan.

2. Install footings to provide the base for your foundation. Remember to seal the footings to protect them from moisture. Use a high quality sealer. You can pour concrete either directly into trenches or into wood forms.

3. Create stem walls. Start with the corners of the foundation and then build a plum and level wall connecting the two corners. Having something to connect the wall to on either side makes the process easier. It’s much easier to spot if the wall is out of alignment. Remove the flaws using hand trowels.

4. Consider using reinforced concrete on the walls. You will want to use it on the ceiling too if you plan to cover your roof heavily with dirt and soil. Living underground will keep the temperatures relatively moderate, but the earth also puts a huge amount of pressure on the walls and ceiling of your house.  It’s also essential to hire a structural engineer to design earthquake resistant elements if you live in an earthquake prone area.

5. Decide what kind of ceiling you want. You can choose a material as simple as wood boards or something more complex, but sturdier, like brick or concrete. If you choose brick or concrete ensure that you building has strong structural supports.

6. Plan to have scaffolding or brick pillars secure your ceiling. You will have to lay the brick yourself by buying brick and mortar and building a thick pillar up to the ceiling. A six brick base should provide a decent support. If your room is very large you will want to build a few supports. Scaffolding is something that you can buy at a home improvement store, but is more likely to bend and break. Take this step very seriously or you risk potential cave-ins.

7. Use wood beams to outline the rooms in your house. Set up these rooms in accordance with your design plans. Make sure that you leave space in the walls for any potential wiring that you’ll need to do.

8. Consider insulation. Even though you’re living underground you may need insulation. This will keep your heating and cooling costs down and make your energy use much more efficient. Wait until after you have completed the wiring before you install the insulation.



Method 5 Buying a Premade Underground House.

1. Research the kind of underground shelter you would want. Believe it or not there are plenty of companies that specialize in underground shelters. You'll be able to find a number of companies on the internet that can sell you pre-made houses in a variety of different styles. You can go pretty crazy here if you’re willing to spend a lot of money.  Try to consider your price range and the amount of people that you plan to have living with you in this shelter.

2. Purchase your underground house. In most of these situations you have to buy the shelter outright, because generally the idea is that you’ll be holed up in the shelter once you have it. However, some of these companies offer financing.

3. Obtain approval to dig on your property. You first need to pre -mark your excavation area with white paint or stakes. Then call your state excavation number to describe the exact area where you plane to excavate. You will not be allowed to dig outside of this area. In Massachusetts this number is 8-1-1, but it varies state by state. This is important to ensure that you don't dig into a buried sewage system or fiber optic cable.

4. Have your underground house delivered and installed. This is included in the price. Make sure there is a path for their truck to deliver your new house. You can’t have your dig site all the way out in the middle of the woods if there is no road to get there.The installation may take several days, so be aware of that.



Question : How much money do I need to build an underground house?

Answer : It depends on how big the house is and what materials you use, but probably $10K or more.

Question : Is it possible to use this as a super secret lab? Do I need to buy all the super scientific stuff myself?

Answer : You could do that, or anything else your imagination suggests. And, yes, you would probably have to buy everything.

Question : How do you get underground? And put big objects down there without digging up the house?

Answer : Usually, underground houses are built by digging out space on the side of a hill. The house is constructed then the dirt is moved back on top of the structure. One side of the house is usually left exposed.

Question : What would happen if I built an underground house using wood instead of concrete and bricks in a rocky soil? Will it fall down on me?

Answer : While the type of soil would affect the distribution and absorption, all types will bring rain or surface water down to the building materials. Wood, when exposed to water, weakens and rots; it is an essential part of its natural breakdown process. So, yes, it would come apart and quickly, likely falling down on itself in the process.

Question : Instead of either ladder or stairway how about an elevator?

Answer : While elevators can go into basements, they have large foundational and protection requirements. They take a lot of material, space and need plenty of protection around them, such as a building. They are too big for most, and require so much building around them - for the above-ground entry - that it defies what most people picture for an underground house. Besides, they're expensive to build, run and maintain, too.

Question : Should I have a normal house on top?

Answer : There are pros and cons: a normal house distracts from an underground one, and gives you the advantages of both types. However, an above-ground house is not hidden, and may not fit into your plans (such as defense or a location not being found). It is about your preferences.



Tips.

When constructing any trench or hole angle the walls back slightly, so the top is larger than the floor. this lets gravity help you hold back the pressure of the dirt walls.

A phone in case of emergency may be useful.

Before adding the roof always brace the sides of the trench and hole to prevent cave ins.

Ventilation holes are a very good thing to build maybe behind a plant so your underground house will stay secret.

When you brace the walls, drive the stick or pole into the floor, pushing against the wall so that in order for you to push your finger behind the board, you would hurt yourself, or at least get really dirty fingernails.

Brace all walls and never dig deep without a friend near you and above ground.

Have your house inspected by a professional so that you know it won’t collapse.

Plan ahead. You don’t want to work on this during the winter or inclement weather.

Commit time to the project. If you really want an underground house it’s going to be a long process.

Do not try to build an underground home if you live below sea level. You probably will hit water.

Februari 20, 2020

how to make a windowless room appear light

How to Make a Windowless Room Appear Light.

A finished basement can add value to your home and contribute pleasant, functional living space for you and your family. Unfortunately, many basements are more, well, basement-like than pleasant, especially those without windows. Is your lower level looking like a dungeon? Try these tips to bring a sense of light to your basement or any dark room.



Steps.

1. Use light and lively colors liberally. Large surfaces in the basement should be light in color to brighten things up. Walls, for example, should be painted white or warm shades such as yellows, light reds and oranges. Select light or brightly-colored rugs or tiles, as well. Even large pieces of furniture can make a difference in how bright the room appears, so go for warm, vibrant patterns on sofas and chairs.

2. Build contrast. Select some darker pieces of furniture (end tables, for example) or dark wall hangings to contrast with the light colors of the large surfaces. Select dark moldings for walls and ceilings. These measures bring out the brightness of the lighter colors and impart a more natural-feeling shadow effect.

3. Explore your lighting options. Lighting that hangs down from the ceiling is fine for other rooms, but in a basement it poses two problems. First, many basements have low ceilings, so hanging lights can make it difficult to get around. Second, hanging lights take up space and make the room look smaller. To remedy this, select recessed lighting in the ceiling, and complement that with wall sconces, table lamps and floor lamps--the indirect lighting will light up the ceiling and help get rid of that cave-like atmosphere.

4. Choose the right light bulbs. First, those old fluorescent bulbs are out. Soft white incandescent bulbs will make the lighting seem more natural. An even better option is to use full-spectrum bulbs, which cost a bit more than regular incandescent bulbs, but which mimic the sun's natural light.

5. Make your basement look more like the rest of your house. If your basement has exposed concrete walls or wood paneling, install drywall and paint it to give the room a more finished appearance. If you have suspended ceilings and exposed boards cover them up with drywall and paint, as well. Keep in mind that drywall is only usable if your basement is completely dry, year round. If your basement is damp or wet, drywall is a poor choice because it tends to soak up water and support mold growth. You should look for waterproof, mold proof basement wall and ceiling systems that will not absorb moisture and rot overtime. You may not be able to cover all exposed pipes and duct work, but you can paint such fixtures to match the rest of the room, or creatively hide them with furniture, plants or wall hangings.

6. Open it up. If you have unnecessary columns, pillars or walls in your basement, consider tearing them out(Consult a structural engineer if uncertain of load-bearing). The more open the floor plan, the brighter the space will appear.

7. Get some plants. Plants can make any room healthier by removing toxins and adding oxygen. They can also give the room a brighter mood. Of course, not all plants can survive in a basement. Visit the related wikiHow on choosing an office plant for some tips.



Question : Is light brown a nice colour to paint a basement?

Answer : If it is a very light brown, yes.



Tips.

Full-spectrum lighting may brighten not only your basement, but also your mood: it has been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of depression associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Use mirrors to make it brighter and more open looking.

Equip your primary basement lighting with a dimmer so that you can easily vary the amount of light you want at any given time.

Warnings.

Basements are notorious for flooding, and carpet doesn't handle flooding well, so consider tile and other flooring options.

Because basements are usually damp or prone to water problems from condensation, leakages or flooding, avoid using materials made with organic compounds. That includes hardwood, cork, bamboo, many hardware store brands of laminates, drywall, wooden subfloors, fabrics, latex, leather and paper. Mold thrives in humid environments and feeds on organic matter. Don't turn your basement into a mold farm.

Exercise caution and forethought when removing walls or columns. You do not want to remove any necessary structural supports. If in doubt, check with a professional contractor.

Before doing any work to your home's electrical system (i.e. installing lights), make sure you know what you're doing. If you don't, hire a qualified contractor.

Februari 17, 2020

how to decorate your treehouse

How to Decorate Your Treehouse.

Treehouses are cool little places to hang out. There's no point in having a treehouse with nothing in it, so that you have to sit on the floor. With stuff in the treehouse, everything is possible. Read this wikiHow article to get loads of ideas about decorating your treehouse.It is great!



Steps.

1. Decide how you will decorate the walls. Will you paint them or leave them wooden? Wood gives a real natural feel, while paint will make you feel like you are in an actual house. Different kinds of paint have different feels. Black will feel like this is your little dark hut and bright colors will feel like you are in a house full of sunshine.

2. Choose a type of flooring. Do you want to leave it wooden, or use carpet? Fluffy or flat? Carpet gives the room a cosy feel and a wooden floor is like a little den. Tiles aren't very popular, though. They would be used for a kitchen or a bathroom.

3. Make windows. Windows can be wide, narrow, tall, or short. They can also be square, heart, circle or star shaped. It's your choice. If you want sunlight to shine into your room and make it warm, you have to have windows. Or, if you like, no windows at all. Add curtains, too.

4. Create signs.You can create a wooden sign on the door of your treehouse.It could say, No Girls, No Boys, Keep Out, No Trespassing or anything else. If you want a spiritual feel, add an idol or two, like a fairy or animal. It would also be cool to have a wind chime.

5. Furnish your treehouse. You can use couches, little tables, beanbags, paintings, a computer and a desk, lights, or anything else. You can choose a cosy feel, dark feel, sunny feel, etc. The list goes on.

6. Add some entertainment. This can be a television, Nintendo, radio, or even calculators; anything that you can use to entertain yourself when you are bored. For Nintendo try to use it as a laptop and camera if you have the DSi. You can hook up internet to that, which would allow Youtube in replacement for Radio. Try keeping a bookcase in there to hold everything on.

7. Find a way to keep rain from wetting your tree house. Rain will soak through wood and we don't want it to wet your furniture or electronics! Try to cover it with moss, tree bark, waterproof blankets, or anything else to keep it out!

8. If you have a way to keep the inside from getting wet, see if you can find a way to get power for lamps, chargers, and maybe even a TV if you have an extra!



Question : How much money is it?

 Answer : If you would like to spend less money, you can find furniture and decor at thrift and second hand stores, or even garage sales. You can buy all new things if you wish, and maybe even grab more things that will still be able to withstand an outdoor environment, but this will cost more. Set a budget first, and then decide on your options.

 Question : Will this work for any tree?

 Answer : Make sure you're building a treehouse on a tree with enough support for a platform to start with, and has multiple branches, or enough room to place support beams around the house.

 Question : Can I put curtains in my treehouse?

 Answer : Yes! It's your treehouse. You can put whatever you want inside.

 Question : What can I put in a simple, small treehouse?

 Answer : Maybe some pillows or fold out chairs, a portable cooler for drinks, and a small box you can keep games or books in that will also double as a table. Put up posters for decoration.

 Question : What if the ceiling is pretty low and it's a small space?

 Answer : Keep furniture to a minimum and use pillows for seating. Put up fairy lights to add some sparkle. Make use of vertical space with shelving.

 Question : How can I decorate a very small tree house?

 Answer : Use shelves for vertical storage, and use small storage ottomans to double as seats and storage units. Try to use nooks and crannies to your advantage.

 Question : How can I get electricity into the treehouse?

 Answer : The easiest way to do this would be to run an extension cord from your house (exterior if you have an outlet outside) into the treehouse.

 Question : Would I be able to make it two floors?

 Answer : Yes, you can potentially make it two floors.

 Question : What if my tree house does not have a roof and it has cracks in the wall?

 Answer : Repair it, then add a roof, and then decorate it.

 Question : How can I add floors if there are too many branches?

 Answer : Ask an adult to trim some of the branches for you, or choose a different tree for your treehouse.



Tips.

If you are painting or putting down flooring, be creative and make up patterns. For example, if you want your treehouse to seem like a field at night, get some kind of green fluffy carpet, like grass, and paint the walls black, and add glow in the dark stars. Or, get bright! Blue floor blue walls, and paint fluffy white clouds for a real feeling that you are on air. Instead of wooden floor or fluffy carpet, how about a wooden floor with lots of little rugs and cushions?

Put posters and artwork up just make sure they don't get wet!

For the curtains, you can just get old material and make curtains out of them.

Instead of just lights on the ceiling, you could have a punchbag or a disco ball, or get things to hang from your ceiling like little fluffy bats, or fluffy love hearts.

Sometimes, you could cut a window in the door of the treehouse.

You could add glow-in-the-dark stars onto the walls and ceiling.

For walls and flooring, choose colors you like or with colors that match. You could have a blue carpet with green walls, for example, but don't have brown walls with purple floor.

Make it cozy - add blankets and pillows!

If you are sharing a treehouse with your sibling or other person, just make one big treehouse and use curtains instead of doors. This way you can open them up or close them and get some alone time. Just make sure that the curtains will stand the weather.

If you like to create art, buy or find a bin and pile up some art supplies in your treehouse. You can buy paint, carpeting and wall paper to make your house pop out.

Warnings.

Do not leave anything valuable in there when you are not there.

Make sure you are allowed to do this if you are young; ask your parents.

Don't spend too much money; try to make your own decorations.

Be careful with scissors, hot glue,etc.

Februari 12, 2020

how to decorate a bathroom

How to Decorate a Bathroom.

The bathroom is often one of the most overlooked and neglected rooms when it comes to decorating. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways to give your bathroom a fresh look. It can be as simple as change out the towels and adding a plant, to as fancy as adding wallpaper or painting the wall behind a set of shelves.



Method 1 Changing the Patterns and Colors.

1. Choose a theme and color scheme for your bathroom. Most people prefer refreshing themes and colors, such as cool blues, Zen, pale green, or nautical. You can choose something more unique, however, such as vintage, romantic, or ornate.

Pastel colors are great for a vintage look, while deep reds and golds are perfect for an ornate look.

You can also use neutral colors, such as white and black, or white and silver.

Your theme can be specific, such as rustic farmhouse, or general, such as traditional or classic.

2. Repaint your bathroom or bathroom furniture. You can repaint the entire bathroom, or you can paint just 1 wall an accent color. For example, if your bathroom’s walls are all white, consider painting 1 wall a different color, like light blue or pale gray.

Make sure that you use a paint suitable for humid, bathroom environments.

The best paint finish for a bathroom will be satin or semi-gloss.

3. Add some wallpaper as an alternative. You can apply the wallpaper over all of the bathroom’s walls, or you can choose just 1 accent wall. You can also use a narrow strip of wallpaper trim along the top or middle of the wall instead.

Make sure that the wallpaper matches the color and theme of your bathroom.

4. Apply a wall treatment for an upscale design. Great options for your bathroom include tile, faux shiplap, stone, or glass. Although they're a more expensive decorative option, wall treatments last a long time and elevate your design.

Make sure the wall treatment you pick is appropriate for a bathroom, since it will get humid. When in doubt, talk to a product representative.

5. Use wall decals or framed artwork as a temporary option. If you live in a rental unit, you may not be able to repaint the walls or use wall paper. You can still use removable wall decals. You can also hang some framed artwork above the toilet or towel rack instead.

Simple silhouettes work the best when it comes to wall decals. Try scrolls or filigree for a fancy look, or trees and greenery for a serene look.

If your bathroom doesn't have good ventilation, the frames must contain glass.

If you're wanting a temporary upscale look, you can install peel-and-stick tiles behind your sink to create a backsplash. You can find these at home improvement stores or online.

6. Paint the back walls inside open shelving units. If you have shelves in your bathroom, consider painting the walls behind them a different color. This works best on shelves without cabinet doors, but you can do this on cabinets too.

For example, if your bathroom has white walls, paint the walls behind the shelves a light gray for a subtle pop of color.

If you want to add a designer touch to your shelves, you can install wallpaper or contact paper along the back wall instead of paint. As another option, you could apply the contact paper just on the shelves.



Method 2 Adding Textiles and Furniture.

1. Add a small, decorative stand or side table. Choose a small stand or a side table that is 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) across and tuck it into a niche or corner. Not only will this look cute, but it can double-up as extra storage.

For example, you could keep candles or bowls filled with pretty soaps on top of the table.

If your table has shelves, roll up your towels and place them inside the shelves. Not only is this a great decorative touch, it's also practical!

Consider placing a nice tray atop the table for your toiletries or perfumes.

2. Consider an upholstered bench for comfort and luxury. Choose a bench that matches the style and colors of your bathroom, then set it against the wall. If you have a small bathroom but still want a hint of luxury, consider an upholstered stool instead.

Don't be afraid to take a bench apart and re-paint or re-upholster it. If you decide to re-upholster the bench, make sure you choose a water-resistant fabric. This is especially important if you plan to sit on the bench while wet or place wet items on the bench. Otherwise, it may develop mold or mildew.

3. Get a shelving unit if you have space for it. Not only can this add a decorative element to your bathroom, but it will also allow you to store other items, such as towels, toilet paper, and so forth.

Make the shelf more decorative by adding a plant or a vessel filled with pretty soaps or bath bombs.

If you have a small bathroom, consider adding a single, narrow shelf just above the bathroom vanity. Store your perfumes, cosmetics, and toothbrushes on it.

If you have a small bathroom, consider getting a mini metal shelving unit that you can place on your bathroom counter or hang above the toilet.

Another option for shelving is floating shelves, which are great if you don't have the space for a unit. You can hang your floating shelves over your toilet or, if there's no shower, above the bathtub. Use your shelves for extra towels, rolls of toilet paper, personal care items, or decorations.

4. Brighten up a dull bathroom with colorful towels or a bathmat. One of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom is by swapping out the towels and bathmat for something new.

Consider the season. Warm colors work well for fall, while cool colors work better for winter. Pastels are great for spring, and bright colors are ideal for summer.

Play around with different shades and layering. For example, try a light green hand towel over a dark green bath towel.

Bathmats don’t always have to be made from towel material. You can get wooden or bamboo ones too!

5. Change out the shower curtain for something more exciting. If you have a plain white or frosted shower curtain, consider switching it out for a different one. Pick out a bright color that matches your towels. If solid colors aren't your thing, try a pattern instead.

If you are going with a pattern, make sure that it matches the other colors in your bathroom.

If you have a window in your bathroom, consider getting some mini curtains or blinds for it. Keep them open so that you have lots of daylight.

If you have any curtains you aren't using, you can hang these over your plastic shower curtain to create a fancy look.



Method 3 Updating Fixtures and Lighting.

1. Take advantage of natural lighting if your bathroom has it. Some bathrooms have windows in them. These are great of bringing in natural daylight and giving your bathroom a fresher look. Clear the area in front of the window, wipe the window clean, and repaint the sill, if needed.

Decorate your window with opened curtains or plants, but keep it minimal so that the light can pass through.

On the other hand, if your bathroom has a grand, luxurious theme, hanging heavy curtains in front of the window may work better.

2. Trade out the light bulbs for something new. If you have lights above your bathroom mirror, consider switching them out for different ones. This can be as simple as changing the old, bright bulbs for frosted ones. It can be as fancy as getting actual lights with fancy covers or fixtures around them.

If your lights have fixtures or covers, make sure that they match the other metallic elements in your bathroom.

If you like to do makeup in your bathroom, choose lights with a bright, white glow. Avoid lights that give you a hazy, golden glow; it’s not good lighting for makeup.

If your bathroom is too dark, high-efficiency LED lights can give your bathroom a bright, white glow.

3. Switch out the towel racks for something new. Make sure that the new towel racks match the other metal fixtures in your bathroom, however. For example, if you have gold faucets, you should get gold towel racks--not silver ones.

Towel racks don’t always have to look like horizontal rods or bars. You can get ones shaped like hooks or loops instead.

If you can't afford to replace your towel racks, you can paint them instead! Simply take them off the wall and bring them outside. Use a metal spray paint to coat them in a new color. You could choose something metallic or mix it up with a fun shade that matches your bathroom, like a blue.

4. Change your mirror, or put a frame around it. If your mirror looks plain, see if you can find a fancier mirror. Oval mirrors or mirrors with beveled edges are a great option. If you can't change your mirror, consider framing it instead. You can use an actual frame, or you can use glass mosaic tiles instead.

If you are framing the mirror, use colors that match the other colors in your bathroom.

5/ Change the fixtures in your bathroom for a more adventurous project. This can be difficult for someone who has not done it before, so if the task is too intimidating for you, hire a handyman. Make sure that the colors go well with the overall theme of your bathroom.

For example, if your bathroom is ornate with lots of burgundy and gold, consider gold fixtures.

If your bathroom has a modern or Zen theme, try matte silver fixtures instead.



Method 4 Adding Accessories and Storage.

1. Bring some character with candles or decorative items. Things like pillar candles, figurines, and vases all make great bathroom accents. Find some items that match the color and theme of your bathroom, then display them in an out-of-the-way area, such as a side table, a shelf, or the corner of the counter.

If you are getting pillar candles, consider getting 3 candles that are the same color, but different heights and thicknesses. This will create some interesting variation.

Make sure that the items you choose can withstand humid conditions.

Avoid using breakable items, such as glass, if you have curious children or pets.

2. Bring in some greenery with a plant or 2. Choose a plant that requires low levels of sunlight. Even if your bathroom has a window in it, it likely won't provide enough sunlight for your plant.

Match the pots to your bathroom's tiles, towels, mat, or shower curtain.

Every so often, move your plant into a bright window for a day or 2 so that it can absorb sunlight.

Air plants are a great option for your bathroom! They'll thrive in the humid bathroom environment and require little care.

Hang some fake, green floral garlands along the ceiling. Ivy is a classic choice, but you can also try ferns or wisteria.

3. Store extra towels and toilet paper in baskets. Instead of keeping towels and toilet paper stacks on a shelf, put them into decorative storage baskets instead. Measure the depth of your shelf or cabinet first, then purchase some square or rectangular baskets that match those dimensions.

You can also use wire or canvas baskets. Container stores, fabric stores, and craft stores generally have a vast selection.

If you have space next to your sink or toilet, you can keep the baskets there as well.

You are not just limited to towels and toilet paper; you can store other items that you want to keep out of sight too, such as hair styling tools.

4. Keep cotton balls, Q-tips, and other toiletries in glass jars or vessels. Instead of leaving these items in the cabinet, transfer them into glass or clear acrylic containers, then keep the containers on your bathroom counter. Use 1 container for each type of item.

For example, keep your cotton balls in a tall jar and your Q-tips in a squat container.

Consider a vase or apothecary-style jar for extra bath bombs, mini lotion bottles, or hand soaps.

Tiered cupcake stands and cake stands make cute displays for perfumes, nail polish, and other cosmetics.

Old Mason jars are a great, low cost option for storing your items! If you don't like the look of them plain, add a ribbon or piece of fabric to make them match your decor. As another option, you could paint the jars, though you wouldn't be able to see into them anymore.

5. Make use of soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Instead of keeping your liquid hand soap in the plastic bottle it came in, pour it into a glass or ceramic soap dispenser. If you prefer to use solid soap, keep it in a little dish or tray instead.

Keep your toothbrushes in a toothbrush holder. Make sure that it matches your soap dish or soap dispenser.

If you like to use mouthwash, consider pouring it into a glass vessel or bottle instead. Have some paper cups nearby, so that you have something to pour the mouthwash into.



Question : How can I decorate a small bathroom for cheap?

Answer : You can get a new shower curtain, add artwork (original or print free art from online), add a few plants, and your bathroom will look refreshed. Painting can also nicely update it if that is in your budget.

Question : How can I make my bathroom look brighter?

Answer : If you have a window, open the blinds (when it's okay to do so), add brighter LED bulbs to your light fixture, and paint your walls a bright or lighter color that will reflect light.

Question : What pictures should I put in my bathroom?

Answer : You can put up some rules to be followed inside the bathroom, and you can decorate the paper containing the rules.



Tips.

Don't be afraid to change your decorations with the seasons. Warm colors are great for cold weather, while cool colors are better for warm weather.

If you don't know how to do something, or aren't comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional, such as a painter or plumber.

Find inspiration online if you are stuck. There are lots of websites, such as Pinterest and Polyvore, that allow people to share ideas for projects.

Don't feel like you have to change out everything at once. You can update your style a little at a time.

Things You'll Need : Towels, Bathmat, Shower curtain, Storage baskets, Jars and vases.

Februari 12, 2020

how to decorate an apartment

How to Decorate an Apartment.

Decorating an apartment, especially if it’s your first, can be overwhelming. Following a few simple decorating principles, however, will help you quickly transform an empty space with blank, white walls into a cozy living area that exudes your personality.



Method 1 Upgrading Your Walls.

1. Add pictures and art to your walls to create a homey environment. Select frames that harmonize with the color of your walls and the overall feel you’re trying to create for the room. A customized art piece or family photographs hung in your living room can add a dash of personality to the space.

Look for a frame that matches both the art and other key decorating pieces in the room.

2. Hang a mirror to make your space look larger. If you want to make your room seem larger and make it brighter during the day, position the mirror on the wall opposite to your window. Hang it so that your eyes are at the same height as the mirror’s middle.

Choose a distressed wood frame for your mirror if you’re going for a rustic look in your room.

A simple, black frame, on the other hand, will complement a sleek and modern decorating scheme.

3. Bring color and texture to a room by hanging a tapestry. You can hang a tapestry over the sofa in your living room, above your bed’s headboard, or on any other section of a wall that you think could benefit from a dash of color or the addition different texture. To hang a weaving or vintage fabric, you can use pushpins or small nails or hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, you could stretch it over a frame you’ve hung on your wall.

Self-adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners work especially well on curved walls and have the added benefit of not leaving behind any holes in the wall.

If you want to hang a heavier tapestry, you may want to consider draping it over a rod.

4. Choose curtains that complement your room’s style. Choose curtains that match the color of your sofa and/or walls for a seamless look. Go with solid-colored curtains if you want to enhance the color scheme of your room, or patterned curtains if you want to draw visitors’ eyes toward the room’s window.

You can make your windows seem taller if you install your curtain rods high above the top of the window frame and wider if you extend rod beyond the window’s frame.

If you want to make your ceilings seem higher than they are, go with curtains with vertical stripes.

If you anticipate that you’ll be moving in the near future, don’t spend too much money on your curtains, since they may not fit the windows in your future apartment.

5. Paint your walls to give the room some character. Keeping the walls of your apartment white or beige is fine, but painting them another color can add a dash of personality to the room and complement its overall design scheme. Choose a light color if you want to make a small room feel roomier or a darker color if you want to give the room a more intimate feel.

Before painting the walls of a rental apartment, check with your landlord to make sure that it’s okay to do so.



Method 2 Adding Accessories.

1. Green up your living space with plants. Plants not only make a room seem more inviting and relaxing, but can also freshen the air in your apartment. You can use potted plants as centerpieces on a coffee or dining table, place a small tree in the corner of a room, or mount a hanging plant on a wall.

If you don’t want the hassle of watering indoor plants, artificial plants are a great alternative.

If a lack of floor space is an issue, you can place smaller plants on tables and other surfaces or use hanging plants.

2. Enhance your room’s décor with toss pillows. Adding throw pillows to a couch, chair, or love seat is a simple way to enhance or even alter the entire look of a room. When looking for throw pillows, find colors, textures, patterns, and sizes that either harmonize well with the room’s aesthetic or strike an intriguing contrast.

If the walls and furniture in a room are white or a light beige, brightly-colored throw pillows with bold patterns can add a burst of energy.

Selecting throw pillows of the same color but with different textures or patterns is another way to liven up a space.

3. Cover bland and ugly floors with rugs. A large sisal or jute rug can add color and texture to your apartment’s living room. You can also use small rugs to add color and texture to hallways and other small areas that many apartment decorators overlook.

You can find rugs of a variety of sizes, patterns, textures, and colors at furniture stores.

To find cheaper rugs, check out a local thrift store.

4. Choose table and floor lamps to brighten a room’s aesthetic. Lamps are an important part of any room’s décor. The light they provide can draw the eye to certain design elements, while lampshades, lamp bases, and sconces can serve as attractive decorative accents.

Lamp bases that are metallic, or are made of another reflective material, can make your room brighter by reflecting light.



Method 3 Choosing Furniture.

1. Buy furniture pieces that come with added storage. If space in your apartment is limited, you may find it difficult to find places to store all the stuff you own. Buying pieces of furniture with storage spaces can help keep your living space from becoming cluttered, which will help maintain the original look of your decorated room.

A coffee table with shelves underneath can provide you with a convenient place to keep books, magazines, and other odds and ends.

If you need a place to store extra blankets and throw pillows, consider getting an ottoman with a hollow inside and detachable top.

A bed with drawers below the mattress can be a great space-saving alternative to a bulky dresser.

2. Select scaled-down furniture that will fit in smaller spaces. If you’re looking to buy furniture for your apartment, scaled-down furniture will help make your living space seem larger than it is. Select couches and chairs with narrower widths, and light and airy tables and coffee tables, instead of heavy and bulky ones.

A see-through acrylic coffee table can serve the same function as a solid-wood one, while appearing to take up less room.

If you’re decorating a small space, floating shelves are a great, functional alternative to bulkier pieces of furniture, such as chests and bookcases.

3. Find multi-functional pieces of furniture. If your apartment is small, multi-functional pieces are a terrific option. If you buy a small bench, for example, you can use it as a seat when you have guests over, or a small table where you can stack books.

Getting a sofa that folds into a futon will give your guests a place to sleep when they visit.

Furniture with wheels will give you the freedom to easily rearrange your décor for different occasions.

4. Arrange furniture to create distinct living spaces. If your apartment is relatively small in area, you can position your sofa or book cases so that they act as dividers. This technique is especially helpful when decorating a studio apartment or an apartment with a wide-open floor plan.

By placing a sofa in the middle of a studio apartment, for example, you can create a distinct living room and a bedroom.

Februari 12, 2020